A top official of the Ennahda party, Ali Laredi, said Monday the party expects to receive more than half the votes. The Times reports:

Calling his party “the most modernist” Islamic political movement in the Arab world — meaning the most committed to principles of democracy and pluralism — Mr. Laredi predicted that it would now “lead the way” for others around the region.

The election, which came 10 months after protests began in the North African country, saw close to 70 percent voter turnout, Reuters reported Sunday.

"The United States reaffirms its commitment to the Tunisian people as they move toward a democratic future that offers dignity, justice, freedom of expression, and greater economic opportunity for all," Obama said in a statement, AP reports.

Final election results are expected within the next few days, the Times reports.

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